Subtropical Storm Laura has formed over the north central Atlantic Ocean.

At 4 a.m. the center of STS Laura was located about 1,015 miles west of Fayal Island in the western Azores.

The storm is moving toward the west-northwest near 8 mph. A gradual turn toward the northwest and north accompanied by an increase in forward speed is expected Tuesday. Laura is not forecast to affect any land areas and the system is only a threat to shipping interests over the far northern Atlantic Ocean.

Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours and Laura could transition into a tropical cyclone later today and possibly become a hurricane by Tuesday.

Winds of 40 mph extend outward up to 310 miles from the center. The estimated minimum central pressure is 993 mb.

The next advisory will be issued by the National Hurricane Center at 10 a.m.